The fundamental aspect of energy security is to have diversity in energy sources so that risk can be minimised.
MICHIGAN, US: This is apropos the article “Pakistan energy security” by Zahir Kazmi published on January 7. I found the article informative but heavily biased towards nuclear technology. The content does not match up with the title, which is about energy security. Firstly, the need for more energy should not just be seen in the light of the need to create more electricity. Undoubtedly, electricity is a key component of the overall energy basket of a country, but what about other types of fuels, such as fuel for transportation, which is a fast expanding sector in Pakistan; and natural gas for particular industries, like the fertiliser industry. Pakistan’s energy crisis and its repercussions are not limited to the generation of electricity.
The article rubbishes the role and scope for every other technology in the world, which may have the potential to supply power in clean, risk-free and economically secure business conditions. There is such a great technological revolution taking place in renewables, which can meet the demand without exerting any more load on our already failing electricity distribution network. The fundamental aspect of energy security is to have diversity in energy sources so that risk can be minimised. Nuclear energy certainly carries the promise, but higher initial capital investment requirements remain a hurdle other than safety risks and risks associated with nuclear waste.
Bilal Anwar
Published in The Express Tribune, January 25th, 2014.
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